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New England Firefighters Travel to Canada to Fight Wildfire
June 24, 2009

ALLENSTOWN, N.H. -- Twenty firefighters from across New England will help battle a 450-acre wildfire in Canada.The firefighters are part of the Northeastern Forest Fire Compact, which provides regional assistance for major wildfires.

The fire 300 miles north of Quebec City was sparked by lightning and has been burning for several days. It's one of more than 50 wildfires across Canada. Local firefighters said they're happy to help fight the fire, and they'll also get something from the trip.

We also gain new experience and new ways of doing things by going up there," said Jim Litevich, who works at the Vermont Fire Academy.

The firefighters expect to face an additional challenge because of a language barrier. "It's a lot of fun but very challenging because I don't speak French," said Brian Charland, assistant fire chief in Bethlehem, N.H.

Bill Bellion, fire chief in Canaan, N.H., is also a retired high school French teacher, and he said he'll help with translation and organizing logistics, such as where to stay.